Cities In Saudi Arabia

Where from?

Where to?

Departure date

Return date

Passengers

1 Adult, Economy/Coach

Buy flights to Saudi Arabian cities

Saudi Arabia is a vast country spanning across the Arabian Peninsula, featuring a diverse landscape from vast deserts to coastal regions along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Within this expansive territory lie several notable cities, each with its own unique character, history, and cultural significance. Each of these cities contributes to Saudi Arabia's rich tapestry of culture, commerce, and heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the kingdom's past, present, and future. Due to the rise in tourism we have provided more information about the cities in Saudi Arabia and the differences between them.

How many cities are there in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia there are 46 cities however, only 5 are considered major cities. These 5 include Riyadh, Jeddah, The Holy City of Makkah, The Holy City of Madinah and Dahahran. The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh with a population of 7.68 million. The ten largest cities in Saudi Arabia are Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam, Al-Mubarraz, Taif, Tabuk, Buraydah and Jubail.

Riyadh

Riyadh stands as the vibrant capital of Saudi Arabia, welcoming foreign visitors with its accessibility and prominence. As the largest city in the country, Riyadh sprawls over approximately 600 square miles and has a population exceeding 7 million people. Did you know it's also one of the richest cities in the Middle East and the 80th richest city in the world? Riyadh is rapidly emerging as a popular destination for digital nomads and expatriates from various corners of the globe! With its dynamic culture, captivating attractions and world-class facilities, Riyadh offers an ideal setting for short-term visits and extended stays. The main reasons why people are moving to the capital of Saudi Arabia are excellent working conditions, high salaries, and the low cost of living. From London to Riyadh it takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes by plane and from New York to Riyadh it takes about 15 hours and 30 minutes.

Jeddah

Jeddah, positioned along the Red Sea coast, serves as the prominent urban hub of western Saudi Arabia. It stands as the largest city in Makkah Province, boasting the premier seaport on the Red Sea and ranking as Saudi Arabia's second-largest city, after the capital, Riyadh, with a population surpassing 4.9 million. Jeddah is an important commercial hub in Saudi Arabia, and it’s a gateway to Mecca and Madinah. Similar to numerous other major cities worldwide, Jeddah features safe tourist and business neighbourhoods. Visitors who opt for the primary tourism spots in Jeddah can confidently enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday experience in Saudi Arabia. There is an airport in Jeddah for those considering visiting and it's called King Abdulaziz International Airport, also known as Jeddah International Airport. The airport is the third-largest and the busiest airport of Saudi Arabia

The Holy City of Makkah

Mecca is situated approximately 73 kilometres east of Jeddah, nestled within the Sirat Mountains at an elevated position above sea level. The vicinity surrounding the mosque encompasses the historic old city. Access to Mecca is limited to Muslims exclusively, given its status as a sacred site. Millions of Muslims visit Mecca every year in Dhu'al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, for Hajj pilgrimage. The population is around 2.4 million making it the third-most populated city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and Jeddah. In 2019 Mecca was ranked the 13th most visited city in the world, and 2nd for international overnight visitor spend. Mecca does not have its own airport, primarily due to safety considerations. Instead, international flights are directed to the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, located approximately 70 kilometres away, while domestic flights utilize the Ta'if Regional Airport, situated around 120 kilometres from Mecca.

The Holy City of Medina

Medina is a city located in Saudi Arabia and has a population of 1.4 million people. Medina is the second holiest city to Muslims, after Mecca. In contrast to Mecca, Medina welcomes people of all faiths, including non-Muslims. Previously, non-Muslims were prohibited from entering Al-Haram, the city centre, but this regulation was eased in 2021. Therefore, outside the Hajj season, non-Muslim tourists are permitted to approach the perimeter fence of the Prophet's Mosque and take photographs from outside. Medina is widely regarded as a safe destination and has been named the safest city in Saudi Arabia, particularly for female travellers. With a robust security presence, authorities ensure the city's safety, even during nighttime hours. If you are considering travelling to Medina then the closest airport is Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport as it's only 15km north-east of Madinah and you can take a taxi from the airport.

Dammam

Dammam is the capital of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and the kingdom's fourth-most popular city. The population is currently 1.5 million. Dammam prides itself on it's attractions, many of which have remarkable cultural and heritage value it's also known for being a major administrative centre for the Saudi oil industry. Humidity is very high compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia due to it being located near the Arabian Sea however, people who live here are having an enjoyable life as living costs are considerably lower than other cities in Saudi Arabia. The nearest airport is King Fahad International Airport also known as Dammam International Airport or simply Dammam Airport.

NEOM in Saudi Arabia

What is NEOM? NEOM is arguably one of the world's biggest and most controversial projects initiated by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, designed to emerge in the northwestern Tabuk Province. Positioned north of the Red Sea, it lies east of Egypt, separated by the Gulf of Aqaba, and to the south of Jordan. The purpose is to create a new model for sustainable living and prioritize people and nature. It is also referred to as a 'smart city' which will be 33 times the size of New York and will cost around $500 billion to build. It is anticipated that by 2026, NEOM will accommodate approximately 450,000 individuals, with projections indicating an increase to between 1.5 and 2 million residents by 2030. Ultimately, The LINE aims to house nine million inhabitants. It is being funded by The Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and local and international investors. Developers hope to finish the majority of the project by 2039.

Things to know before visiting Saudi Arabia

Are you thinking of visiting Saudi Arabia? A few things you need to know include travel documents such as visas and a valid passport. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity before the date of your departure. You may be required to have 2 recent passport-sized photographs with you as well! Your visa application form is essential - you need to make sure it’s accurate too.
Saudi Arabia follows conservative Islamic practices. This means you need to dress modestly with clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs. If you’re visiting Saudi Arabia with your partner or spouse, avoid public displays of affection as it isn’t acceptable. You’ll also need to adhere to local customs and traditions, such as avoiding criticism of the royal family and respecting prayer times.
The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Keep an eye on currency exchange rates before your trip to get an idea of how much your money will be worth in Saudi Riyals.
Lastly, to ensure you have a smooth and respectful travel experience in Saudi Arabia, you’ll want to think about your communication with locals and using the Arabic language.
Find out more about the country on our blog post: things to know before visiting Saudi Arabia.

Cities in Saudi Arabia FAQ

What is the richest city in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia is one of the richest cities in the Middle East and the 80th richest city in the world. Riyadh is home to a number of wealthy Saudis. Some of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Riyadh include: Al-Olaya Al-Muhammadiyah Al-Deira Al-Khozama Al-Nakhil.

Which city is safest in Saudi Arabia?

The safest city in Saudi Arabia is Medina, It is also ranked 7 on the list for best places for solo female travellers.

What is the biggest city in Saudi Arabia?

Riyadh is the biggest city as well as being the capital it also has a population of 7 million people.

How many cities are there in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has 66 cities and a population of 32,175,224 inhabitants

How many airports are in Saudi Arabia?

There are 35 Airports in Saudi Arabia 13 of which are international airports.

Which airlines fly to Saudi Arabia?

Pegasus Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Saudia, Ethiopian Airlines, Air India, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, Aegean, Cathay Pacific and Wizz Air are all airlines that fly to Saudi Arabia

What is NEOM?

NEOM is a project in Saudi Arabia where they are building a new 'smart city'. The purpose is to help prioritise people and nature, creating a new model for sustainable living, working and prospering. It is a place where humanity can progress without compromising the health of the planet. It is being funded by The Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and local and international investors and is set to be complete by 2039.